Redesigning Gen Y and Z Career Growth through Developmental Cycles

Abstract

Meaningful growth opportunities are key drivers of engagement, especially in the early career. Research shows that it is essential to support career transitions for early career employees. While formal leadership development programs focus on providing opportunities to nominated employees, there is a need to systematically apply the elements of these programs to the broader employee population. We identify common principles of successful early career leadership development programs and use them to create a career growth framework as a series of experiences rather than a series of roles. We have developed specific recommendations to fuel growth cycles, exploration, establishment and maintenance within and across functions at the early career (0–6 years).